Life like Lemon

I was reading the papers today and the headline news was about " When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."

We have enough news about job losses, plunging property prices, natural disasters, wars, loss of loved ones, etc. Yes, enough to make us go into depression, avoid reading any news and the urge to shut ourselves from the world.

But the reality is that, everyone have to face the truth - it had already happened and is still happening around us.

The papers is teaching us to face such situation with a can-do-attitude - making the best out of a bad situation. Of course, seeking positive is not about belittling the tragedies, instead it is that little triumphs in every human spirit that counts.

So many bad news, so little time and life too short. It is still possible to smile, when a little balance is most needed, even if it is just for a day.

Working and Passion

A friend told me that he has a 3 years plan to consider his current job - whether by the end of his 3rd year, he should remain or quit his job.

I thought to myself, "why need a 3 years plan to consider whether this job suit you a not. If you want to do it, do it well. If not, don't do." To me, a 3 years plan is for individual goal in life for perseverance and growth. To consider whether to remain or leave the job, you will not commit fully and of cos' you will not enjoy what you do at work.

When is the last time we pause and say to someone, 'Here lived xxx who did his job well.'

Do we love our job? Do we even like it? Do you look forward to Monday morning? If you are always looking forward to weekends person you are missing something really important in your work life - passion. Unfortunately, many people don't enjoy their work. What's worse is that they have no expectation that they should. Work is often seen as the means to an end. You work so you can pay your bills.

Being passionate it's looking forward to going to work and it's time flying by when you're there. It is very different from being swamped with work or were so intent that you didn't notice the time.

Feeling passionate about your job is not enough, you have to act passionate too - to be really passionate. Your energy can lift all of the people at work. Even if it doesn't, you will feel better knowing you are doing something to advance in what you believe.

Its not necessary that we need the 'environment' or the boss’ attitude to drive us or put us down. A person passionate at job can be consistent in his job by his own drive. Even in bad situation, he continues to work with the same vigor or more.

Sharpen our skills consistently and being adept at our job can help us greatly.

Find something you love to do and you never have to work a day in your life. Remember, work is to discover your world and with all your heart in it.

Forgivness and letting Go

Being able to forgive is already so difficult, so how to be able to let go?

Forgiving and letting go of past hurts is a critical for any relationship. Being able to forgive is a way to keep yourself both emotionally and physically healthy.

Holding on to old hurts, disappointments, petty annoyances, betrayals, insensitivity, and anger, are bound to waste both your time and your energy. Eventually, it can even lead to hatred and extreme bitterness.

How to Forgive:

- Make a decision to forgive your spouse. When hurt flashes in your mind, do something to distract yourself from dwelling on those thoughts.
- Don't throw an error or mistake back in your spouse's face at a later date.
- Don't seek revenge. It will only extend the pain.
- Accept that you may never know the reason for the transgression.

Be patient and never try to hurry the process.

Asking for Forgiveness:

- Show true contrition and remorse for the pain that you have caused.
- Be willing to make a commitment not to hurt your partner again.
- Accept and face the consequences of the action that created the hurt.
- Be patient with your partner as being able to forgive often takes time.

Everyone makes mistakes. Knowing when enough is enough. Only you will now.

What do Men Want

My friend urged me to write this after an indept discussion with her and I thought, oh well, I should. Certain things we do not agreed cos' I think that's what women want as well.

Women are offen unsure about what a man is really looking for.

• A man like to love and they like being loved in return. They claim that it is not easy to find a loving woman and how many men try and hang on when they think they have found their Miss Right.
• Men are seeking a woman who is attractive to them. Well, men can be so shallow and that looks could matter so much. Although, they aren't ooking for a model-type, but men do want a woman who look after their appearance (though not excessively). Men are proud of having a girlfriend who looks good.
• Men are looking for a trustworthy girl, someone they can have faith in and someone who will be there for them. (provided we, women found a faithful man) A man can never forgive a woman being unfaithful and so he is looking for trust.
• Men want to make a home eventually and are looking for a woman who will be a willing sharer in home life.
• Men are seeking women who are feminine gentle and kind. Although, they claim that they did not need mothering, though some do, it is that men seek women that would make a great mother to future offspring.
• Men want women with a great sense of humor, that she is able to fit in with their humor and is sociable and fun to be with. Such women are extremely attractive to many men.
• Men want someone who is supportive. Many women are quick to criticize men in their behavior, career and set about trying to alter them and mould them. This is a crucial mistake. They see their partnerships as support systems. The best relationships work both ways in terms of support. Where a woman is not able or willing to give that support and is too quick to criticize then she may lose her man.
• Men want a woman who can debate and converse and is able to discuss, and not shout when angry. ( well, men shout all the time than us)
• Men love a challenging woman, someone who keeps them on their toes. Men are lazy in relationships once they feel they're in secure territory. When a man is challenged, it make them sit upright. If you want to keep your man interested, keep him challenged.
• Men want a woman who will commit to them. (Though increasingly this is hard to find) Men want a girlfriend who they can share with and trust and be open with.
• Men don't want to be alone.
  

Men don't necessarily want to have children and settle down straight away, but it will come. They do seek respect from their partner. (Women expect that from men too)

Writing this actually make me uncomfortable. A committed partner is hard to come by.

Standard Chartered Run on 7th Dec 2008

I am going to run the Standard Chartered Singapore Run - 10KM this Sunday. The organisers are expecting a total number of 48,000 runners in 2008, and one-third of the participants will be running the full marathon.I have the information ready for the participants and myself just in case....

Date: Sunday, 7 December 2008
Start Point: Esplanade Drive, The Esplanade Bridge
End Point: St Andrew’s Road, The Padang

Race Divisions

Individual Categories
Start Time
5.30 am - Marathon (42.195km)
6.30 am - Half Marathon (21.1km)
7.30 am - 10km - Men
8.15 am - 10km - Women
8.45 am - Wheelchair Race (10km)

Kids Dash (750m)
10.30am - Between 10 - 13 Years Old
10.45 am - Between 7 - 9 Years Old
11.00 am - Between 4 - 6 Years Old*
11.30 am - 3 Years Old And Below*

Team Categories
Start Time
7.30 am - Team - Men
8.15 am - Team - Women
7.30 am - Team - Mixed - Men
8.15 am - - Women
(At least 1 member of the opposite sex)

I'm going to ready my sunblock!!!

The Beauty of Jade Bangle

I don't know what got into me but recently I am so into Jade that I bought myself a Jade bangle.

Well, the Chinese states that, "Gold has value; jade is beyond value."

Jade is a non-conductor, so it feels cool to the touch. This coolness is said to elevate and purify one's thoughts, quiet the mind, and help to induce a state of contemplation.

Wearing jade was thought not only to confer greater health and vitality, but also to ward off back luck and misfortune. It was said that the better the quality of the stone, the stronger it's energy will be.

Some women wear their Jade bangles 24/7. I believe one of the reasons people do not take it off is because the size of the bangle is small. Some who wear jade bangle need to use oil to put it on or take it off. The reasons for wearing small jade bangle is to prevent it get into your way and slip off from your wrist. And they claim that it is good for blood circulation.

If you really want to wear a Jade bangle, do consider wearing it on your non-dominant hand. I didn't like my bangle clunking against my watch, so I now wear my watch on my right wrist.The easiest way to find your jade bangle size is to decide which wrist you will wear your bangle. See illustration below. This shows the points on your knuckle you should measure between. Measure the distance between the points.

Buying the right size of jade bangle is extremely important. If its too small or too tight, you will feel uncomfortable and hinder your blood circulation. When it is too big, the jade bangle may come off if you move your hand too widely.

The best way is to physically put on the jade bangle.

A relaxing Cruise - For short getaway

I like the sea, so we decided to be on a short weekends cruise to unwind.
If you are looking for 1st class service at the Star Virgo Cruise, forget it. It all about relaxing and away from the stressful city. The weather was good, its windy and you can eat all you want, club till you drop and gamble anytime you like.






And did I mention, Ken's boss on the ship too.. a coincidence.. maybe also trying to get out of the city.
Haha!